What are the Benefits of Green Tea? What is Green Tea Used for?

Green tea is one of the types of herbs that can be added to the daily diet, recommended by many health experts due to its positive effects on health. Green tea, which is a powerful source of antioxidants thanks to the catechins it contains, stands out with its known effects on preventing the development of cancer and type 2 diabetes. Studies conducted with these diseases show that consumption of green tea can reduce the risk of heart diseases. While green tea consumption has different benefits, attention should be paid to the amount consumed, the way it is brewed and who can consume it. With correct consumption, you can benefit from the positive effects of green tea.

What are the Benefits of Green Tea?

Green tea contains ingredients that have properties that can positively affect many tissues and organs of the body, from heart health to skin health. The catechin species it contains, especially the compounds called epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), provide various benefits for the body thanks to the antioxidant effect they release. The benefits of green tea can be listed as follows:

• Green tea consumption may reduce the risk of developing breast, esophagus, mouth, prostate, lung and liver cancer.
• Thanks to the EGCG it contains, it can support weight management in obesity patients and help them reduce body weight.
• Topical application of products containing green tea extracts may support healing of inflammatory skin diseases.
• It can significantly reduce total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL) levels.
• Green tea consumption may reduce the risk of developing various heart diseases. It can reduce the risk of heart failure, hypertension and ischemic stroke.
• It may reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
• By supporting brain health, it can increase cognitive function capacity and strengthen memory.
• It can reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
• It may help relieve pain caused by osteoarthritis.
• It may support the alleviation of allergy symptoms by having an antiallergic effect.
• It may promote wound healing.
• It can prevent tooth decay and have a positive effect on dental health.

It should not be forgotten that in order to benefit from the mentioned benefits of green tea, it must be brewed correctly and consumed in ideal amounts.

What is Green Tea Used for?

Green tea is obtained from the oxidized leaves of the Camellia Sinensis shrub. Green tea, one of the least processed types of tea, can affect different systems in the body. Green tea is rich in polyphenols known as catechins. These ingredients are known for their antioxidant properties that help prevent cell damage. EGCG found in green tea is a powerful antioxidant and supports cell health by reducing oxidative stress in the body and is indirectly effective in preventing cancer development.

The components found in tea cause the systolic blood pressure to decrease. This supports the blood pressure levels of especially hypertensive individuals to be within the ideal range and gives green tea antihypertensive properties.

The link between green tea and improving cognitive function is attributed to the caffeine and L-theanine compounds found in green tea. These compounds may benefit mood and brain function. It can also protect the brain against aging thanks to the components it contains.

Studies show that green tea can positively affect performance during aerobic and resistance exercises by positively affecting metabolism. Articles published by the Office of Dietary Supplements of the National Institutes of Health include statements that green tea improves the way the body breaks down fat.

How to Brew Green Tea?

In order to benefit from the benefits of green tea at the maximum level, it must be brewed ideally. Green tea is brewed by soaking tea leaves in boiled water, known as the infusion method. Green tea leaves are kept in boiled water in a covered glass or teapot for 5 minutes, then they are filtered and the tea is ready for consumption. If consumed in the form of tea bags, a waiting time of approximately 4 minutes is sufficient.

How Should Green Tea Be Consumed?

Green tea can be consumed as tea or added to daily life in capsule form as a dietary supplement. Studies have generally focused on consuming green tea in the form of tea. While there are various studies on this point, there are different data on how much tea should be drunk per day.

While drinking one cup of green tea a day has benefits for the body, it has been observed that drinking more than 5 cups of green tea can also have positive effects. For example, it has been observed that women who drink 3 to 4 cups of green tea a day are less likely to get cervical cancer. Studies have shown that men who drink green tea 5 or more times a day have a reduced risk of developing prostate cancer.

It has been observed that consuming 1 to 3 cups of green tea a day can be effective in preventing heart diseases.

In light of all these data, it can be said that 3 to 5 cups of brewed green tea per day are ideal amounts to observe the desired positive effects. It is reported that consuming more than six glasses may cause undesirable side effects. It should not be neglected that green tea is a source of caffeine and if consumed with other caffeine-containing foods, it may cause the daily recommended amount of caffeine to be exceeded.

Since green tea contains caffeine, morning hours are generally recommended for green tea consumption. Another recommendation is to drink green tea without sugar, which can be consumed during the diet process as it is a low-calorie tea.

What are the harms of green tea?

Caffeine and catechins found in green tea have various health benefits. However, excessive consumption of green tea is associated with some side effects. The amount of caffeine in a brewed cup of green tea may vary depending on the amount of tea used and the way the tea is brewed. Studies have shown that 1 gram of green tea can contain between 11 and 20 milligrams of caffeine. If tea is consumed heavily, daily caffeine intake may be exceeded and various side effects may occur. Studies focusing on caffeine have shown that high amounts of caffeine intake can increase feelings of anxiety. In addition, high caffeine intake; It can disrupt sleep quality and cause stomach upset and headache development.

Caffeine consumption is an important issue to be aware of, especially during pregnancy. Heavy caffeine intake may cause birth defects and increase the risk of miscarriage. Research shows that taking more than 300 milligrams of caffeine per day for every adult, including pregnant women, may be harmful.

Catechins, one of the important components of green tea, may cause some side effects if consumed intensively. Studies show that catechins may reduce the ability to absorb iron from foods. Since intense catechin intake may result in iron deficiency anemia in the long term, the importance of limiting green tea consumption becomes clear once again.

It is recommended that people who use heart and blood pressure medications be careful when consuming green tea. Green tea may inhibit the effectiveness of medications and cause unwanted symptoms. Similarly, green tea may interact with medications used to treat anxiety and depression.

Green tea is an herb that is considered safe for most people when consumed in ideal amounts. However, during pregnancy, if there is iron deficiency or if medication is used for specific diseases, it is recommended to avoid heavy consumption and consume it after consulting a doctor.